9th May

9th May

Omg it was bloody windy last night and then there were dogs howling and a few goats singing but I slept well.
I heard people packing up but I’m not so a lazy morning.
I got up and visited the loo then to the house ,there were people milling around some trying to leave others chilling.
I grabbed a coffee and sat on the porch. I saw a free power outlet so plugged in my block. 
I then began to catch up on my videos. I had a lot to edit but once done I can upload when I get to grants As I was editing Shoes and Co arrived they  stealth camped last night (I wasn’t brave enough)
Okay post office I should have 1 parcel packet. I set off up the road. It wasnt far and i soon was here. I said hi and handed over my ID.

The lady found my packet, i then grabbed a box to take  back. 
Once back I dropped the stuff in my tent. Okay boxes I had two at the hiker house. A food box and Shoes.
The food box I decided to bounce as I still had far too much food.
Once that was sorted Nita dropped me to the post office then to the café. When I walked in the usual  suspects where here the girls and Shoes and Co.
I sat at the table with Shoes and Chameleon. I ordered blueberry pie followed by a breakfast burrito. 
The pie was amazing and so was the burrito. 

After I was full I headed back to the Toaster House.  
I grabbed a beer and then continued with my editing .Later Hawkeye  and Dr Tom arrived. 

We caught up on our disastrous day and who had the better day lol.
I think I was just lucky .
Later Nita  arrived and she’d if anyone fancied going out for a slab of meat.  We’ll said yes.
I had a great day with editing so I was a caught up.
So spent the rest of the day chilling on the porch drinking beer.
At 6.30 Nita arrived and we jumped into the car
On the way to the steak House Nita gave a great  tour about the town etc etc.
Once at the restaurant  we grabbed seats ordered beer and then our steaks I had the Rib Eye not sure how big 18,ozs +/- oh it was so tender mmmm and I woofed the lot.

We popped into the shop next door as we were asked to bring back beer and a few other things then headed home. On the way back Nita showed is the huge radio telescope. It was here where they filmed Contact with Jodie Foster. 

At last we were back there were still plenty of hikers sat on the deck chatting and drinking.
We dropped the beer on the table but I was done and very full so headed to my tent.
Omg all this food ,so spent 10 minutes  trying to sort it all out before getting into my bed.

Mileage zero.

8th May.2022

Not sure what happened but I over slept or maybe I switched it off Instead of snoozing .
At 6am I stripped down made a cupa as I packed up. As I was packing up Marmot came by the lady I scared yesterday.

I was on trail by 6.30. It was a cool morning thank god, I decided that I didn’t need my outer shirt.
My early pace was good and I soon caught Marmot but was sure to call out first.
I walked with her for a while and enjoyed her company, finding out about her hike and reasons for doing it. 
Okay I need more miles so wished her well and strolled off.  I had a good pace and it wasn’t long until I arrived at the Davila Ranch.
As I made my way in OMG sat eating were Shoes, Chameleon and Blackout. Just leaving were the two  girls  “Fast food and Dollar General”  they asked for copies of them at the hot springs. 

Snail your first in line for the shower. I walked in and took off most of my clothes and stuck them in the washing machine. 
I asked the gang had they seen Hawkeye  or Dr Tom?
They are behind you snail!
No way they can’t be …Can they ?
I headed to the shower. Omg this was a great shower powerful and hot a rare combination.
So I’m clean. I wasn’t really hungry but the food the gang was eating looked so good I decided to make some myself. Potato, onions eggs and beans yummy.

It’s all free, well for a donation. 
I started cooking and oh my it was so good 
 At last the washing  was done so I next the dryer.  While waiting I starting charging my gear
Omg I could have sat here all day.
MARMOT arrived and decided to boil some eggs ..Nice.
As I had service I was able to order a new bag and a Steripen,  great that was a result they will be at Grants.
Okay I need to leave, Just as I was packing up the owner arrived what an amazing  bloke. So chilled and laid back.
I left fully watered up as I was  planning to camp just outside town
I set off down the road with great pace that’s what a good dinner will do.
I was cruising and miles falling but as the hours ticked by the speed dropped.
I have to say the 13 miles from the ranch to Pie Town didn’t seem that friendly as virtually every 200 yards were no trespassing. Go away, bugger off signs

Mmm..very freindly

At 4.30 I was running out if steam and still lugging far too much water. I stopped for a break and poured 2 litres away. Well I wasn’t camping along this road do didn’t need it.

At last I was entering  Pie Town. Phew now where is the toaster house. A man pointed the way.. at last I’m here I walked in the back and saw Ducky.
what’s the score Ducky I asked. 
Just throw up your tent.
I soon had it up ,then went to the porch about a dozen hikers were here and so many friendly faces. 
The girls were here and shoved a beer in my hand perfect. At the back of the hostel were  dozens of shoes tied to the  wall.
Some are hikers who give up and leave there shoes others are where hikers swap out their first pair.
I have a new pair waiting for me at the post office hopefully.

I joined in with my fellow hiker trash. Chatting laughing and drinking. But I was tired and soon bed was calling. 

Mileage 17